La Paz Day Cruise Review: Espiritu Santo Island & Balandra Bay
La Paz, that is a beautiful city in Baja California Sur, offers what could be some outstanding opportunities for exploration and, too it’s almost like, natural beauty. One experience, it just stands out, alright, so that’s a day cruise to Espiritu Santo Island and Balandra Bay. It is quite popular to do these tours, especially for those after a mixture of wildlife encounters, snorkeling adventures, plus a little relaxation on what I’d describe as stunning beaches. I recently went on this cruise, and you know, I wanted to what I’d consider a genuine rundown on what to expect, a little advice, perhaps, plus some personal takes on this attraction.
What to Anticipate on the Cruise
Most of the cruises generally run for about six to eight hours, I’d say, with boat sizes actually being diverse, ranging from smaller, faster boats to catamarans. So these boats often take you along with sizable groups of people. It could be they go with a very personalized vibe. A typical tour, anyway, that frequently includes a few planned-out stops. Those consist of snorkeling spots, the sea lion colony at Los Islotes, and what many feel is relaxation time at Balandra Bay, so you should be prepared for those sights.
Snorkeling Adventures
One of the big draws, I’d have to say, is snorkeling, right in the transparent waters just adjacent to Espiritu Santo Island. These waters, as you might guess, teem with a great collection of marine life, such as vibrant fish, starfish and, in that case, you could potentially spot sea turtles. Many cruises have what could be perceived as snorkeling gear, alright, but it just depends, so check beforehand. Also, a wetsuit could come in rather handy, as the water can tend to be pretty cool, especially during those cooler months.
Los Islotes Sea Lion Encounter
That is, really, an unforgettable sight: swimming alongside sea lions at Los Islotes. These curious, playful creatures are known to actually approach snorkelers, providing, I think, for unique interactions. I will add that it is necessary, actually, to listen carefully to your tour guide’s directions to guarantee safety, and further to minimize any disturbance of those beautiful sea lions.
arcovecchio Those animals can be temperamental.
Balandra Bay Beach Relaxation
That crescent-shaped Balandra Bay, you see, famed for its very shallow, turquoise water, provides what many travelers would likely describe as the ideal place to unwind. So you could wade out rather far, and yet, the water maybe just barely gets up to your knees. Balandra has what some would call postcard-perfect pictures, and it is not uncommon for people to spend time simply enjoying the calm and soaking it up there.
Tour Operators: Finding the proper One
Many, really, tour operators, like, provide cruises to Espiritu Santo and Balandra, with costs, you know, actually starting around $100 USD per person. Research and compare tour providers ahead of time. Examine reviews, check what exactly is and is not included in the package (gear? Food?). Private tours are even an option for those perhaps seeking a personalized experience. I will say they will be a fair bit extra, generally.
Recommendations and worthwhile Suggestions
Before going, ensure, very carefully, to actually pack environmentally friendly sunscreen. Reef-safe brands protect marine life. As many of the boats do not have lots of space, only bring things that are needed. Also bring a camera, so don’t forget your camera, but also that waterproof bag for all that sea splashing. One more note, consider seasickness medication to make things that bit more pleasurable should it be that way.
What Creates this Cruise that worthwhile
That day cruise genuinely provides what some would suggest is a well-rounded experience that, as you might have guessed, highlights that natural beauty Baja California Sur provides. That combination of animal viewing with snorkeling, together with leisure on one what I perceive as breathtaking beach, might just really be something you like.
#LaPaz #EspirituSantoIsland #BalandraBay #MexicoTravel
